Annual Foundation Gala
First Annual Foundation Gala
We are pleased to announce the launch of The Path Forward Foundation, dedicated to supporting ongoing Hurricane Helene relief and recovery in Western North Carolina.
Please save-the-date for the evening of November 1, 2025 for the Gala celebrating the Foundation launch at the site of the new Blue Star Gallery, at 867 Haywood Road, Asheville, North Carolina.
This special evening will feature local musicians, makers, artists and culinary creators including:
Music by Graham Sharp and Darren Nicholson Band
Catering by Chef Michelle Bailey
Bar by Cultivated Cocktails
Art (including Silent Auction) by Asheville, River Arts and North Carolina Artists
The Gala is being hosted by Babette Reynolds and David Newton, founders of The Path Forward Foundation. 100% of donations and silent auction proceeds from the Gala will be contributed to organizations supporting ongoing Hurricane Helene recovery efforts in Western North Carolina.
Schedule is as follows:
6:30 pm Arrival
7:00 pm Welcome
7:15 pm Graham Sharp Plays
8:00 pm Darren Nicholson Takes Stage
8:45 pm Silent Auction Announcements
9:15 to 10 pm Darren Plays Final Set
In addition to the event…
The Path Forward Foundation’s gala will feature a silent auction of original artwork, all generously donated by local artists whose work embodies the spirit and resilience of Western North Carolina. While bidding will take place in person at the event, online participation is also available for those who wish to support remotely. All proceeds directly fund our efforts to uplift and sustain the region’s creative community.
Coming Soon: Our silent auction page will be live soon — check back for updates and bidding details!
Stories of Impact
Presented by Asheville’s very own Fiasco Media
Through a series of short interviews and behind-the-scenes videos, Stories of Impact highlights the people whose creative businesses have been supported through The Path Forward Foundation. From chefs and painters to musicians and makers, these voices reflect the heart of Western North Carolina’s cultural and small business community. These are more than success stories — they are stories of resilience, rebuilding, and hope.
To be shared shortly after the gala:
Asheville, River Arts and North Carolina Artists
This video brings together several local visual artists to share how Hurricane Helene disrupted their creative lives, studios, and income. Through candid conversations, they reflect on the challenges of rebuilding not just their physical workspaces, but also their creative momentum. With support from The Path Forward Foundation, these artists have been able to return to their practice, reconnect with their communities, and continue shaping the cultural landscape of Western North Carolina.
Chef Michelle Bailey
Caterers from across the region share how Hurricane Helene disrupted kitchens, wiped out bookings, and placed entire teams at risk. In this video, Chef Michelle Bailey reflects on the role food plays in gathering and celebration — and how support from The Path Forward Foundation helped them rebuild, rehire, and get back to feeding their communities with purpose and pride.
Cultivated Cocktails
Cultivated Cocktails reflects on the disruption caused by Hurricane Helene and the road to reopening. With community support and a push from the Path Forward Foundation, they returned to doing what they love — serving great drinks and bringing people together.
Graham Sharp and Darren Nicholson Band
In the wake of canceled gigs and damaged equipment, musicians and bands faced a silent season. This video highlights their return — powered by community support and Foundation funding — to performing, recording, and uplifting spirits. Their stories reveal just how vital music is to both healing and celebration.